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Most people have an agenda when they listen. They aren't really listening, they're waiting for you to finish talking so they can tell you why you're wrong, or demonstrate their own brilliance.

It is hard to listen without an agenda. Your mind jumps to how you will respond, or wanders off to what you're going to have for lunch. Becoming good at this takes a lot of time and practice.

It's worth it because:You learn more - a LOT more.You will often change your point of view for the better.People trust you more - and their trust is justified because you are open to changing your point of view.You will make more connections with other experiences.
So how does one listen without an agenda? The best advice I can give is to "Fake it until you make it." Act like you don't have an agenda. Your need to "own" the conversation will slowly fade away as you repeatedly experience the value of listening with an open mind.